Mimetic Theory: Two Types of Psychological Needs

Why do we want the things we want? One psychological explanation is that we often actually don’t know what we want, but instead imitate others. This phenomenon is known as mimetic theory. According to Girard, the French philosopher who originated the theory, most of our desires are metaphysical- as opposed to bodily needs – and we mimic them from people around us. And because of that, people inevitably end up wanting the same things, which creates rivalry, conflict, and scapegoating.

The Full story
Intro to Mimetic Theory

When you desire one thing over another or you want to become one type of person, but not the other, you may think that’s your personal preference. One psychological explanation of human behavior argues that we often have no idea what we want, and hence just imitate others — welcome to mimetic theory.

Mimetic theory
Mimetic Theory

Mimetic Theory is the idea that there are really only two sides to human desire. Physical Desires are our cravings for utility — the intrinsic value of objects. Metaphysical Desires are our longing for identity — what objects can say about us. If you are hungry, you may want to eat anything to satisfy a physical need. Or you might wish to eat out — in which case you may pick a place that reinforces your self-conception, your identity, and the person you wish to become. In other words, you want to please your metaphysical desire.

rene Girard
Rene Girard

Rene Girard, the French philosopher who established the theory, argued that most of our desires are metaphysical and called them mimetic because we mimic them from the people around us. We imitate others, because we long for their recognition, hoping that we will eventually become a heightened being that will be remembered — ideally forever.  

However since this ideal is so abstract and so hard to achieve, we take shortcuts and make associations with objects and models whom we think have already achieved this status. And so, our deepest desires and moral principles are fundamentally anchored by models and the objects, values, and culture associated with them.

The Schoolyard Dilemma
Schoolyard dilemma

In school, we want to wear what the cool kids are wearing, and by the same logic, we never ever want to look like the social outcasts. This common longing for and against certain models, raises a fundamental question: Do we, in fact, have any autonomy?

illusion of autonomy
Illusion of autonomy

If we simply want what others want, our decisions are not truly ours, and we are far from being independent in our behavior. “Individualism is a formidable lie” Girard wrote. And this leads to a problem!

Subject, object and mediator
Subject, object and mediator

The relationship between a subject and an object unfolds through a model, also called a mediator — who desires the same things. Eventually, this can lead to rivalry between subjects and mediators — especially if they start imitating each other.  And as both don’t like the thought that they cannot have what they want, they look for a victim who they can make responsible.

The cycle of scapegoating
Cycle of scapegoat

As a result they unify their imitative desires around the destruction of an agreed-upon scapegoat — to the point where that person is singled out, expelled, or killed. After the social order is restored, and people are happy to have solved their problems – the cycle begins again.

What do you think?
Mimetic theory - WDYT

What do you think? Was Girard right, and are we all trapped in societies that tell us who we should want to become? Or do we have our own independent desires that go beyond our need for food and shelter? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources

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Classroom activity

In the following activity students will learn about Girard’s mimetic theory. 

  • Ask the class if they own clothes that they wanted because they saw them – or similar ones – on another person they admire, either a famous person or someone at school. 
  • Point out that most students in the classroom are dressed similarly, ask the class why they think that is. 
  • Show students Sprouts’ video on Girard’s mimetic theory. 
  • Ask the class if they think their clothing style is coherent with mimetic theory. 
  • Ask the students if they ever were victims of, or partook in scapegoating dynamics for the way they dressed or were. 
  • Ask the class what solutions they would find to avoid scapegoating behaviors due to Girard’s mimetic theory. 

Collaborators

  • Script: Ludovico Saint Amour di Chanaz and Jonas Koblin
  • Artist: Pascal Gaggelli
  • Voice: Matt Abbott
  • Coloring: Sasalux
  • Editing: Peera Lertsukittipongsa
  • Production: Selina Bador
  • Sound Design: Miguel Ojeda